Where are Fire Doors Required?

Fire Door Requirements in Domestic Properties

In the UK, any domestic property that is three storeys or higher must have fire doors fitted. This is to help stop the spread of a serious fire outbreak, so all doors between habitable rooms or stairwells will need fire doors. Below is a breakdown of the requirements for these types of property:

Single-family Homes

In single-family homes, the Building Regulations stipulate the installation of fire doors to create safe escape routes and compartmentalise the spread of fire. Common areas where fire doors are essential include the connection between the garage and living area, particularly if the garage houses fuel, paints, or other combustibles. Entrance doors to loft conversions also typically require fire doors, especially if the loft is used as a living space, to ensure a safe means of egress in emergencies.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

HMOs, where multiple individual tenants share facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens, are subject to additional fire safety regulations. Fire doors in HMOs are mandatory between individual living units, and in rooms like shared kitchens and lounges, to prevent the spread of fire between communal areas and private rooms. These measures are designed to ensure that all occupants have enough time to vacate the property safely in the event of a fire.

Apartment Buildings

For apartment buildings, internal doors within individual apartments may not always need to be fire doors unless specified by an assessment. However, doors leading to communal areas such as corridors and stairwells must be fire doors. This is to ensure that main escape routes remain free of smoke and fire long enough for all residents to evacuate.

Fire Door Requirements in Non-Domestic Properties

Fire door requirements and regulations also outline the need for these passive fire protection installations in non-domestic properties, too. Below is a summary of the latest legislation surrounding fire door requirements for non-domestic buildings:

Offices

In office environments, building regulations require fire doors along designated escape routes, in stairwells, and potentially in areas housing critical or flammable equipment like server rooms. The placement of fire doors is strategically planned to compartmentalise fire, aiding in evacuation and rescue operations while minimising damage to property and equipment.

Retail Spaces

Shops, shopping centres, and other retail spaces must adhere to fire safety regulations that demand the installation of fire doors in critical areas such as storage rooms, loading bays, and staff-only areas. These doors help to contain fires at the point of origin, protecting both inventory and the public.

Industrial Buildings

Fire doors in factories and warehouses are essential, especially where the risk of fire is heightened by activities such as manufacturing or the storage of flammable materials. Fire doors are commonly installed between production areas, storage facilities, and offices within industrial buildings to segment any outbreak of fire.

Educational Institutions

Schools, colleges, and universities must have fire doors installed in corridors, classrooms, and assembly halls where the volume of occupants is high. The presence of fire doors in educational institutions is used to protect the lives of students and staff by ensuring the integrity of escape routes.

Healthcare Facilities

In healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and care homes, fire doors are essential in areas like patient rooms, operating theatres, and along corridors leading to critical care facilities. These doors help to protect the vulnerable individuals inside and also ensure that critical infrastructure remains operational.

Regulations and Standards

UK fire safety regulations, including the Building Regulations and British Standards, provide a framework for the necessary fire protection measures in buildings. Compliance with these standards is not just a legal requirement but also a critical component of a safety strategy. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and prosecution, as well as increased risk to life and property.

Who Can Install Fire Doors?

The installation of fire doors is a task that requires precision and knowledge of fire safety regulations. Installation must be carried out by professionals who are familiar with the standards and complexities involved. Companies, like our team at Ark Fire Protection, specialise in fire door installation and can ensure that fire doors are fitted correctly, function as intended, and comply with all relevant regulations, thus safeguarding lives and property in the event of a fire.

If you have any questions about installing fire doors for your building, our team at Ark Fire Protection would love to help. Please contact us today to learn about what we can do to help.